Army Vice Chief Launches CGDA’s Rail E-Ticketing

            Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen PC Bhardwaj launched a pilot project of Rail e-ticketing for the Armed Forces, here today. The project, being implemented by the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), will initially be available at 20 locations spread across the country. Armed Forces personnel will now have the convenience to book and print tickets through IRCTC website at unit locations. The project will enable automatic generation of all accounting, payment and financial reports.


            Speaking on the occasion, General Bhardwaj said that the new system will cut tedious paperwork and introduce seamless processing “in one stroke”. He hoped that the ‘PCDA (Principal Controller of Defence Accounts) Travel System’ will slowly make the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) irrelevant and become a precursor to automation and better management. In her address, the CGDA, Smt Bulbul Ghosh said that the pilot project will gradually be expanded to more than 5,000 Army, Navy and Air Force units across the country. The e-ticketing system will be completed in four phases, - the first phase will cover Rail Travel, Air Travel will be covered in the second phase, Defence civilians will be included in the third phase and TA processing will be completely online in the final phase.

            The main features of the e-ticketing facility are availability round-the-clock, user friendly, ease of operation and accounting while taking care of security concerns. In the new system, the units will be enabled to have a virtual PRS of the railways in the units itself, which will be enabled to issue tickets through a centralised portal operated by the CGDA office. For this purpose, the CGDA has entered into an agreement with the IRCTC. With this facility, the system of railway warrants which obliged Armed Forces personnel to go in for manual tickets at the PRS counter and involved a lot of paperwork, will gradually be replaced.

         Over six million warrants are issued to the Armed Forces every year, involving worth over 580 crore rupees.
-PIB-

Read More

Cabinet approves revision of pay scales of faculty of Autonomous Medical Education Institutions

          The Cabinet has approved enhanced Pay Scales of Faculty of Autonomous Institutions of Medical Education under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

         As for RIMS, Imphal and LGBRIHM, Tezpur these two institutions were taken over by the Ministry in the 2007 from North Eastern Council and are currently affiliated to local universities. Faculty members of these two institutions will be given University Grants Commission (UGC) Pay Scales.

           The revised pay scales will be effective from 01.01.2006 and other allowances from 01.09.2008 and pay of existing incumbents will be fixed as per the formula given in the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008.

               2420 faculty members will get benefit of these enhanced pay scales. The financial implication for budget is Rs. 91.20 crores annually.

Read More

Reservation in autonomous bodies,institutions etc

No.360111612009-Estt.(Res.)

Government of lndia
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
North Block,
New Delhi-110001
Dated the 23rd December, 2009.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:-Reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs in autonomous bodiesl institutions etc.

The undersigned is directed to say that instructions were issued vide Ministry of Home Affairs' O.M. No. 39/40/74-SCT (I) dated 30.9.1974 that the autonomous bodiesl institutions, which receive grant-in-aid from the Government of lndia, would make suitable provision in the relevant Statutes or in the Articles of
Association of the respective bodies to provide reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in services under their control. After introduction of reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) on 8.9.1993, the autonomous bodies etc. were expected to make provision in this regard also.

It has been brought to the notice of this Department that some of the autonomous bodiesl institutions have not made suitable provision about reservation in their Statutes1 Articles of Association.

2. All the Ministriesl Departments etc. are requested toensure that suitable provisions of reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs are made in the Statutes1 Articles of Association of all the autonomous bodiesl institutions under them and such provisions are implemented scrupulously.


Under Secretary to the Governhenot f lndia

Read More

IISERs demand statutory status

                Directors of Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) today demanded enactment of a legislation in Parliament to make these statutory bodies, thereby recognising their degrees.

             During their first meeting with Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal, the directors of the five IISERs said the future of students in their institutes would be affected if these are not made statutory bodies, sources said.

                  The government has set up five IISERs during the past three years. These institutes are offering five-year Masters in Science courses.

                 However, they cannot award degrees unless they are made statutory bodies. They have been demanding that the Human Resource Development Ministry should bring an IISER Bill to make them statutory bodies. For the time being, the ministry may bring an amendment to the National Institute Act to include the IISERs under it, they said.

Read More

Abolishing FBT transfers the Tax burden on Employees

            The government had announced in Budget 2009-10 that Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) on perks provided by employers would be abolished but its impact is going to kick in from next month with the Central Board of Direct Taxes issuing a notification on Friday which transfers the tax burden on the employee.

             For instance, while a car of upto 1.6 litre engine capacity in the pre-FBT regime would call for Rs 1,200 tax outgo at the hands of an employee, the same is now fixed at Rs 1,800. Anything above this engine capacity would amount to a monthly tax outgo of Rs 2,400. Add Rs 900 as tax on your monthly salary bill if the company has also provided you a chauffeur, said Kuldip Kumar, an executive director with PricewaterhouseCooper.

                In case the employer has provided a car to an employee for his personal use, the entire expenses borne by the company on the running of the car and its maintenance would be liable for tax at the hands of the employee.

              Accommodation, car, salary of your gardener, assistant at home, watchman, your electricity, water, club, credit card and holiday bills will all be taxed on actual expenses and as per the limit specified in the new notification.

             In the FBT regime introduced by then finance minister P Chidambaram in 2005, perks were taxed to employers while fringe benefits enjoyed by employees were tax free.

             Now, your club membership will be taxed to you unless it is specified in your work contract that it is for official purpose.

                In fact, the CBDT notification should have come just after the Budget to make it easy for employees to spread his tax outflow over the entire fiscal. However, it has come at the fag end of the year when in the remaining three months entire tax will be calculated and deducted at source resulting in lower pay cheque for employees
source:Times of India

Read More

Salient features of ‘Yuva Trains’ finalized

                   The Ministry of Railways has finalized the salient features of the first ever ‘Yuva Trains’ which are targeted mainly for the unemployed youths of the country. These new class of trains are to be introduced soon. Initially two separate weekly trains will be introduced as a pilot service between Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Kolkata. If successful it will be extended to other areas of the country.

              The Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee in her Railway Budget 2009-10 speech has announced as under about these trains:- “The young generation is our asset and we are proud of them. Due to economic difficulties poor youth are not able to travel on our trains. I will run “Yuva Trains” dedicated specially for the young generation. These trains will be introduced between major cities to ensure that the youth and low income groups can travel at low rates between these cities. The new low-priced fast train service will be started to connect youth in rural hinterlands to major metros/cities.”

              The total chargeable fare for Yuva passengers inclusive of all other charges like Reservation Fee, Superfast Train Charge and Development Charge would not exceed Rs.299/- up to a distance of 1500 kms and Rs. 399/- for distance beyond 1500 up to 2500 kms. Minimum distance for charge will be 100 kms for both Yuva and Non-Yuva passengers. Children of 5 years and above but below 12 years will continue to be charged half fare.

           The ‘Yuva Train’ fares will be applicable to unemployed persons between the age group of 15 to 45 years who fulfill the criteria of Yuva to be ascertained on the basis of Certificate issued under National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREGA) and valid Registration card issued by a Government run Employment Exchange. Tickets will be issued on production of original of any of the above certificates at the counter, a photocopy of which should be retained along with reservation requisition as in the case of other concessions. Tatkal scheme would not be applicable in ‘Yuva Trains’.

               In case the above certificates do not specify age, an age certificate like Identity Card, Ration Card, Driving License., Pass Port, educational Certificate, Certificate from Local Bodies like Panchayat/Corporation/Municipalty or any other authentic and recognized document on which date of birth is recorded, must also be carried in original.

            Initially, 60 per cent of the total number of coaches will be earmarked for ‘Yuva’ category. The remaining will be earmarked for general passengers (non-Yuva). This will be reviewed after 6 months of introduction of trains. Normal cancellation rules will be applicable for the train. The detailed guidelines about the reservation procedures have been communicated to Zonal Railways.

Read More

Grade Pay Rs.4600 to Assistants Belonging to Central Secretariat Service.

Department of Personnel and Training (DOP&T) issued an order regarding extending the pay structure of Grade pay of Rs.4600 in the Pay Band-2 to Assistants Belonging to Central Secretariat Service with effect from 1.1.2006 .
To view the Order CLICK HERE

Read More

Corporal Punishment in Schools

                 The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has registered 27,50 and 31 cases of corporal punishment in school during 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 (till date) respectively and has also taken suo-moto cognizance of 10 such incidents since January, 2009.

         This Ministry has issued instructions to all States and Union Territories in December, 20067 to prohibit corporal punishment in all schools under their jurisdiction. Section 17 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment to children in school.

          This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt. D. Purandeswari, in a written reply to a question, in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.

Read More

Special Postal arrangements for season’s greetings

                   Delhi Postal Circle has made special arrangements for the disposal of greetings on the occasions of Christmas and New Year. The following 34 post offices and 2 railway mail services at Delhi Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station have been marked as collection centres for season’s greetings w.e.f. 21.12.2009 to 05.01.2010. People are welcome to post their greetings on these centres.

                These post offices are Ashok Vihar HPO; Civil Lines PO; Chanakya Puri PO; Delhi GPO; Delhi Cantt. PO; Haus Khaz PO; Indraprashtha HPO; Janak Puri PO; Karol Bagh PO; Krishna Nagar HPO; Kalkaji PO; Onkar Nagar PO; Lajpat Nagar PO; Lodhi Road HPO; Malka Ganj PO; Malviya Nagar PO; Mayapuri PO; Mehrauli PO; Nai Subji Mandi PO; New Delhi GPO; Naraina Industrial Estate PO; Parliament Street HPO; Patel Nagar PO; Ramesh Nagar HPO; Paschim Vihar PO; Rohini PO; R.K. Puram Sec.5 PO; Sarojini Nagar HPO; Rashtrapati Bhawan, PO; Seelam Pur PO; SRT Nagar PO; Shakur Basti PO; Sriniwaspuri PO; R.K. Puram Main PO; Delhi RMS and New Delhi RMS.

Read More

Corporal Punishment in Schools

               The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has registered 27,50 and 31 cases of corporal punishment in school during 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 (till date) respectively and has also taken suo-moto cognizance of 10 such incidents since January, 2009.

            This Ministry has issued instructions to all States and Union Territories in December, 20067 to prohibit corporal punishment in all schools under their jurisdiction. Section 17 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment to children in school.

            This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt. D. Purandeswari, in a written reply to a question, in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.

Read More

Efforts to retain best talent in Government health sector

            As per information available, number of doctors in various hospitals/medical institutions, who resigned during the last three years and current year is indicated at Annexure. These doctors either sought voluntary retirement or resigned on personal grounds.

         In order to retain the best talent in the Government sector, following steps have been taken:-

(1) Age of superannuation of Teaching Specialists has been enhanced from 62 to 65 years,

(2) Age of superannuation of Non-Teaching and Public Health Specialist has been enhanced from 60 to 62 years, and

(3) The Dynamic Assured Career Progression Scheme has been extended upto Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) posts under which promotion of Central Health Service (CHS) officers up to Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) level are made on time bound basis and without linkage to vacancies.

(4) As per the 6th Pay Commission, there is an improvement in the pay scales and remuneration of doctors.

      Nearly 102 Doctors  took Voluntary Retirement or Resigned during 3 years and the current year


          This information was given by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Read More

Efforts to retain best talent in Government health sector

              As per information available, number of doctors in various hospitals/medical institutions, who resigned during the last three years and current year is indicated at Annexure. These doctors either sought voluntary retirement or resigned on personal grounds.

           In order to retain the best talent in the Government sector, following steps have been taken:-

(1) Age of superannuation of Teaching Specialists has been enhanced from 62 to 65 years,

(2) Age of superannuation of Non-Teaching and Public Health Specialist has been enhanced from 60 to 62 years, and

(3) The Dynamic Assured Career Progression Scheme has been extended upto Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) posts under which promotion of Central Health Service (CHS) officers up to Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) level are made on time bound basis and without linkage to vacancies.

(4) As per the 6th Pay Commission, there is an improvement in the pay scales and remuneration of doctors.

          Nearly 102 Doctors took Voluntary Retirement or Resigned during 3 years and the current year



         This information was given by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Read More

Features of 3G Technology

             3G technology supports increased data communication. They allow high speed data transfer of at least 144kbps, mobile Internet access, entertainment, and triple-play converged communications services which are not possible in 2G systems.


          BSNL and MTNL are the operators who presently offer 3G telephony. As per the guidelines issued on 1/8/2008 and certain amendments on 11/9/2008 for auction of 3G, one block shall be allocated to MTNL in Delhi and Mumbai/Metro service Areas and BSNL in other Service Areas at a price equal to the highest bid in the respective service area. The decision has also been taken to allot one block of 5 MHz 3G spectrum to BSNL/MTNL at a matching price to be determined through auction.Allotment of spectrum is subject to its availability and is in the domain of this Ministry.

            This reply was given by Shri Gurudas Kamat, Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Rajya Sabha

Read More

Features of 3G Technology

             3G technology supports increased data communication. They allow high speed data transfer of at least 144kbps, mobile Internet access, entertainment, and triple-play converged communications services which are not possible in 2G systems.


            BSNL and MTNL are the operators who presently offer 3G telephony. As per the guidelines issued on 1/8/2008 and certain amendments on 11/9/2008 for auction of 3G, one block shall be allocated to MTNL in Delhi and Mumbai/Metro service Areas and BSNL in other Service Areas at a price equal to the highest bid in the respective service area. The decision has also been taken to allot one block of 5 MHz 3G spectrum to BSNL/MTNL at a matching price to be determined through auction.Allotment of spectrum is subject to its availability and is in the domain of this Ministry.

          This reply was given by Shri Gurudas Kamat, Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Rajya Sabha

Read More

Decision to introduce Civil Services Bill pending

                The Government has drafted a Civil Services Bill, which envisages to provide a statutory basis for the regulation of the Civil Services in India, to regulate the appointment and conditions of the service of Civil Servants, to lay down the fundamental values of Civil Services, the Civil Services Code of Ethics, Civil Service Management Code, to establish a Civil Services Authority for facilitating review and to develop Civil Services as a professional, neutral, merit based and accountable instrument for promoting good governance and better delivery of services to citizens.

       A final decision to introduce the Bill has not yet been taken.

          This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha

Read More

Decision to introduce Civil Services Bill pending

                The Government has drafted a Civil Services Bill, which envisages to provide a statutory basis for the regulation of the Civil Services in India, to regulate the appointment and conditions of the service of Civil Servants, to lay down the fundamental values of Civil Services, the Civil Services Code of Ethics, Civil Service Management Code, to establish a Civil Services Authority for facilitating review and to develop Civil Services as a professional, neutral, merit based and accountable instrument for promoting good governance and better delivery of services to citizens.

       A final decision to introduce the Bill has not yet been taken.

        This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha

Read More

Functioning of RTI set up

An independent study, on the basis of a sample survey has pointed out that 12% of the women and 26% of men were aware of RTI Act. The study has also pointed out that more than 75% of the citizens were dissatisfied with the quality of information provided to them. The information in this regard is, however, not centrally maintained.




A Budget Estimate of Rs. 14.16 crore has been made under the Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme on “Strengthening, Capacity Building and Awareness Generation for effective implementation of the RTI” for the year 2009-10. The Scheme is being implemented, inter alia, through State Information Commissions, State Administrative Training Institutes and Central Government Agencies.



Till 11.12.2009, a sum of about Rs. 3.63 crore has been spent. Financial proposals for utilizing additional funds are under examination/approval.



This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha

Read More

Functioning of RTI set up

      An independent study, on the basis of a sample survey has  Pointed out that 12% of the women and 26% of men were aware of RTI Act. The study has also pointed out that more than 75% of the citizens were dissatisfied with the quality of information provided to them. The information in this regard is, however, not centrally maintained.

           A Budget Estimate of Rs. 14.16 crore has been made under the Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme on “Strengthening, Capacity Building and Awareness Generation for effective implementation of the RTI” for the year 2009-10. The Scheme is being implemented, inter alia, through State Information Commissions, State Administrative Training Institutes and Central Government Agencies.

              Till 11.12.2009, a sum of about Rs. 3.63 crore has been spent. Financial proposals for utilizing additional funds are under examination/approval.

           This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha

Read More

National Anomaly Committee Meeting and decisions.

             The first meeting of the National Anomaly Committee was held on 12th December, 2009. Secretary (Personnel) chaired the meeting. On behalf of the Confederation, Com. S.K. Vyas, President and Com. K.K.N. Kutty Secretary General attended and participated in the discussion. In the opening remark, Com. Umraomal Purohit drew the attention of the Chairman of the non-functioning of the Departmental Councils in various departments and the consequent non setting up of Departmental Anomaly Committees. He also raised the issue of the order of the DOPT defining the term Anomaly, which was at variance with the one given in 1997. He recalled the discussion he had with the official side in the matter when it was agreed that the definition of the term would be the same as was in the order of 1997. Responding to the remarks made by the Staff Side Secretary, the Chairman said that his office would take steps to ensure the functioning of the JCM at all levels and informed the meeting that the National Council of the JCM would meet on 16th January, 2009 and the notice therefore has already been issued. On the question of anomaly, it was informed by the Chairman, that all efforts would be taken to address all questions of anomaly and resolve them. The official side clarified that all questions of disparity in relativities would also be addressed except on those on which the 6th CPC has gone into and taken decision enumerating reasons. The Chairman asked the staff Side to bring to the notice of the DOPT/DOE of all those items which stand rejected by the concerned Departmental Anomaly Committees taking shelter under the extant definition.


We now reproduce the items which were discussed and the decisions arrived on each of them.

The item Nos. 1 to 4 and 5(iii)(iv) and 7 were grouped together and discussed as they were identical in content. For the sake of convenience, we reproduce item No. 3 which covers all the above mentioned items.

Fixation of Pay in Revised Pay Scale

The VI CPC in para 2.2.19 (vii) has indicated that where prerevised pay scales have been merged it has been done by extending the existing minimum prescribed for the highest pay scale with which the other scales are being merged. Accordingly it has also been stipulated in 7(1) (A) of the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 that if the minimum of the Revised Pay Band / Pay Scale is more that what is determined by multiplying the existing basic pay as on 1.1.2006 by a factor of 1.86 and rounding of the resultant figure to the next multiple of 10, the pay shall be fixed at the minimum of the revised Pay Band / Pay Scale. Note 2B below Rule 7, ibid and illustration 4B given in the Explanatory Memorandum to the Revised Pay Rule apply to cases of merger of Pay Scales. Note 2 B states that pay in the revised Pay Bands will be fixed in the manner prescribed in accordance with Clause (A) (i) And clause (A) (ii) of Rule 7. In illustration 4B a case of an employee in the pre revised pay scale Rs.5000-8000 drawing Rs.5600 as on 1.1.2006 in the pay scale of 6500-10500 has been indicated with which the pay scale of Rs.5000-8000 stands merged.

Taking these into account the pay in the Pay Band in the case of all employees in the Pay Scales of Rs.5000-8000 and Rs.5500-9000 has to be fixed at Rs. 6500 multiplied by 1.86 i.e. Rs.12090. The fixation tables for pay scales 5000-8000 and 5500-9000may therefore be modified fixing the pay in the pay band at Rs.12090 wherever it is less than that amount.

Illustration 4B in the explanatory memorandum to the Revised Pay Rules 2008 may be modified as under:-

Existing Scale of Pay 5000-8000
Pay Band PB-2 9300-34800
Merged with Pay Scale 6500-10500
Existing Basic Pay as on 1.1.06 Rs.5600

Pay in the PB-2 Rs.5600 X 1.86 = 10420 As per Clause (A) (i) of Rule 7(i) of Revised Pay rules 2008
Pay in the PB-2 Rs.6500- X 1.86 = 12090 As per Clause (A) (ii) of Rule 7 (i) of Revised Pay Rules 2008
Grade Pay Rs.4200
Revised Basic Pay Rs.16290

Decision:

The Staff Side pointed out that what has been recommended by the 6th CPC in Para 2.2.19(vii_ in respect of fixation of minimum pay in the Pay band for merged pay scales had not been taken into account while computing the pay band and the table. After some discussion, the official side stated to have a re-look into the matter.

Item No. 5(vi)


(vi) Rule 9. Date of next increment

It is seen after going through the stipulation in the above rules that a person whose increment falls on 1.1.2006 will get the increment on 1.1.2006 in the pre revised pay scale and will get the next increment in the revised pay structure on 1.7.2006 i.e. on expiry of six months. Similarly those, whose next increment is between 1st July, 2006 and 1st December, 2006 would also be granted next increment in the revised pay structure on 1.7.2006. On the other hand, the persons whose increment dates are between 1st Feb. 2006 and 1st June 2006 have to wait for more than 12 months to get the next increment on 1.7.2006. This is quite anomalous. In the case of those who retire during the period between 1st Feb. and 30th June, they will suffer a loss of one increment perpetually thus affecting their pension. It is, therefore proposed that the persons whose increment falls between 1st February and 1st June, 2006 may be given one increment on 1.1.2006 as a one time measure.

      The official side agreed to issue orders to cover those in service between 1.1.2006 and 1.7.2006 as a one time measure. The Staff Side however, pointed out that they have made the suggestion for a one time measure on the specific understanding that Rule 9 of the Revised Pay Rules 2008 has no applicable in the fixation of increment date in future as in those cases, the Fundamental Rules will have the application. The Official side was of the opinion that the Revised Pay Rules will override the provisions of the Fundamental Rules. The Staff Side then contended that the increment of an official cannot be postponed except on award of a penalty after initiation of the disciplinary proceedings. The official side after some discussion agreed to reconsider the issue in the light of the contention made by the Staff Side.
source:confederation of central govt employees

Read More

Amendment of Service Rules

No. AB.14017/61/2008-Estt. (RR)/Pt.

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
New Delhi
Dated 15 th December2, 009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Sixth Central Pay Commission's recommendations -amendment of Service Rules - regarding

           This Department in OM No.AB14017/61/2008-Estt(RR) dated 24.3.2009 issued the guidelines for amendment of Service Rules/Recruitment Rules for incorporating the changes arising out of 6th
CPC recommendations.

2. The 6th CPC have also recommended for bringing uniformity in eligibility criteria across various organized Group A Services for promotions. The issue has been examined and in the light of these, it has been decided that the following steps to amend the existing Service Rules shall be undertaken on priority basis:

          (i) For promotion to SAG level, the eligibility requirement shall be" Officers in the JAG with 8 years' regular service in the grade including NFSG OR Officers with 17 years' regular service in Group 'A' posts in the service out of which atleast 4 years' regular service3 should be in the JAG (including service rendered in the NFSG of the JAG."

(ii) For promotion to HAG level, the eligibility requirement shall be " Officers in the SAG with 3 years' regular service in the grade OR Officers with 25 years' regular service in Group 'A' posts in the service
out of which atleast 1 year' regular service should be in the SAG."

3. The cadre controlling authorities of the various Organized Group A Services may initiate action for appropriate amendments in the Service Rules.

Read More

Amendment of Service Rules

No. AB.14017/61/2008-Estt. (RR)/Pt.

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
New Delhi
Dated 15 th December2, 009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Sixth Central Pay Commission's recommendations -amendment of Service Rules - regarding

          This Department in OM No.AB14017/61/2008-Estt(RR) dated 24.3.2009 issued the guidelines for amendment of Service Rules/Recruitment Rules for incorporating the changes arising out of 6th
CPC recommendations.

2. The 6th CPC have also recommended for bringing uniformity in eligibility criteria across various organized Group A Services for promotions. The issue has been examined and in the light of these, it has been decided that the following steps to amend the existing Service Rules shall be undertaken on priority basis:

(i) For promotion to SAG level, the eligibility requirement shall be" Officers in the JAG with 8 years' regular service in the grade including NFSG OR Officers with 17 years' regular service in Group 'A' posts in the service out of which atleast 4 years' regular service3 should be in the JAG (including service rendered in the NFSG of the JAG."

(ii) For promotion to HAG level, the eligibility requirement shall be " Officers in the SAG with 3 years' regular service in the grade OR Officers with 25 years' regular service in Group 'A' posts in the service
out of which atleast 1 year' regular service should be in the SAG."

3. The cadre controlling authorities of the various Organized Group A Services may initiate action for appropriate amendments in the Service Rules.

Read More

Review of Scheme for Compassionate Appointmen

F.No 14014/2/2009-Estt(D)
Government of lndia
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel 8 Training
New Delhi, dated the 11 December, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Review of Scheme for Compassionate Appointment in the light of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations.

          The modification of the existing Scheme for Compassionate Appointment has been considered in the light of the recommendation of the 6'h CPC as contained in para 2.2.9 and 2.2.10 of its Report. Accordingly, in partial modification of the Scheme for Compassionate Appointment issued by this Department vide O.M.No.14014/6/94- Estt.(D) dated gth October, 1998, as amended from time to time, it
has been decided in consultation with the Department of Expenditure that for appointment on compassionate arounds, in exceptional circumstat6es Government may consider- recruiting persons not irnmediatelv meeting the minimum educational standards. government may engage them as trainees who will be given the
regular pay bands and grade pay only on acquiring the minimum qualification prescribed under the recruitment rules. The emoluments of these trainees, during the period of their training and before they are absorbed in the Government as employees, will begoverned by the minimum of the - IS pay band of Rs. 4440-7440 without any grade pay. In addition, they will be granted all applicable Allowances, like Dearness Allowances, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance at the admissible rates. The same shall be
calculated on the minimum of - 1S pay band without any grade pay.
          The period spent in the -1S pay band by the future recruits will not be counted as service for any purpose as their regular service will start only after they are placed in the pay band PB-1 of Rs.5200- 20200 along with grade pay of Rs.1800.

2. The above decision may be brought to the notice of all concerned for information, guidance and necessary action.

Read More

Review of Scheme for Compassionate Appointment

F.No 14014/2/2009-Estt(D)

Government of lndia
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel 8 Training
New Delhi, dated the 11 December, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Review of Scheme for Compassionate Appointment in the light of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations.

          The modification of the existing Scheme for Compassionate Appointment has been considered in the light of the recommendation of the 6'h CPC as contained in para 2.2.9 and 2.2.10 of its Report. Accordingly, in partial modification of the Scheme for Compassionate Appointment issued by this Department vide O.M.No.14014/6/94- Estt.(D) dated gth October, 1998, as amended from time to time, it
has been decided in consultation with the Department of Expenditure that for appointment on compassionate arounds, in exceptional circumstat6es Government may consider- recruiting persons not irnmediatelv meeting the minimum educational standards. government may engage them as trainees who will be given the
regular pay bands and grade pay only on acquiring the minimum qualification prescribed under the recruitment rules. The emoluments of these trainees, during the period of their training and before they are absorbed in the Government as employees, will begoverned by the minimum of the - IS pay band of Rs. 4440-7440 without any grade pay. In addition, they will be granted all applicable Allowances, like Dearness Allowances, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance at the admissible rates. The same shall be
calculated on the minimum of - 1S pay band without any grade pay.

          The period spent in the -1S pay band by the future recruits will not be counted as service for any purpose as their regular service will start only after they are placed in the pay band PB-1 of Rs.5200- 20200 along with grade pay of Rs.1800.

 2. The above decision may be brought to the notice of all concerned for information, guidance and necessary action.

Read More

Returning awards and medals In protest against non-acceptance of their demand of One Rank One Pension

            In protest against non-acceptance of their demand of One Rank One Pension, some of the ex-servicemen surrendered their medals. Nine cardboard boxes full of medals have been received.

               A Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to look into the issue of One Rank One Pension and other related issues. After considering all aspects of the issue, the Committee did not find it administratively feasible to recommend One Rank One Pension, as such. However, keeping in mind the spirit of the demand several other recommendations to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) and Commissioned Officers have been made, which have been accepted by the Government:-

        i) Bringing parity between pension of pre and post October 10, 1997 PBOR pensioners.

        ii) Inclusion of Classification Allowance of PBOR from January 01, 2006.

       iii) Further improving PBOR pensions based on award of GOM, 2006.

       iv) Removal of linkage of full pension with 33 years from January 01, 2006 in respect of Commissioned Officers.

       v) Revision of pension of Lt. General pension after carving out a separate pay scale of Rs. 69000 - 79000.

        vi) Broad banding of percentage of disability/war injury pension for pre January 01, 1996 disability/war injury pensioners.

       vii) Removal of the cap on war injury element of pension in the case of disabled pensioners belonging to Category E, which have also been accepted by the Government.

          Two of the recommendations at SI. No. (ii) and (iv) have since been implemented through a Govt. letter dated October 10, 2009. Other recommendations are at different stages of implementation. Since the issue on which ex-servicemen have been protesting has been substantially addressed by the Committee, the Government expects them to honour their hard earned medals.

        This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju in a written reply to Dr Murli Manohar Joshi and Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Alias Lalan Singh in Lok Sabha yesterday.

Read More

Speed Post Services

                   The Department of posts has introduced One India One Rate of Rs.25/- per article in respect of Speed Post articles weighing upto 50 gms, which includes service tax and education cess with effect from June 11, 2007. The rate for local Speed Post article weighing upto 50gms, however, is Rs.12/- only per article inclusive of service tax and education cess.


  Foreign Exchange Services
         
        Department of Posts has tied up with HDFC Bank Ltd to provide foreign exchange service in select Post Offices across the country. Department of Posts has been given ‘Full Fledged Money Changer’s License’ by Reserve Bank of India under Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 to undertake money changing business. Based on the license, Department of Posts is providing foreign exchange services through 122 Post Offices across the country.


           Expansion of Foreign Exchange services is an ongoing process and it is based on the approval from RBI, customer demand and other business requirements.
source:PIB

Read More

Insurance Firms to pay for pillion riders too

            Families of pillion riders of two-wheelers and car passengers who die in road accidents will now be eligible for monetary compensation from insurance companies, thanks to the Delhi High Court.
         There is only one caveat: the vehicle must be insured.
         Formulating a new comprehensive insurance policy for vehicles, Justice J.R. Midha asked the insurance companies to strictly follow the guidelines to cover pillion riders and passengers of cars and other vehicles.
        The court gave the ruling after hearing an appeal by Yash Pal Luthra seeking higher compensation on account of his 24-year-old son's death in the capital in 2006 while riding the pillion of a motor vehicle.
         The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) had earlier agreed with the insurance company's contention that it was not liable for the pillion rider.
        The tribunal had asked the motorcycle owner to pay over Rs.453,000 to the Luthra family.
      The Delhi High Court has reversed the tribunal's ruling.
      "It is clear that the comprehensive policy of a two-wheeler covers a pillion rider and the comprehensive package policy of a car covers the occupants," the court said.
       Seventeen insurance companies admitted their liability in respect of the occupants of a private car and the pillion riders of a motorcycle under a comprehensive insurance policy.
       Following this week's high court judgement, all accident cases pending in different courts in Delhi will have to adhere to the new guideline.
        Insurance companies have also agreed to withdraw all the appeals filed by them before various high courts in the country on this aspect.

Read More

Returning awards and medals In protest against non-acceptance of their demand of One Rank One Pension

               In protest against non-acceptance of their demand of One Rank One Pension, some of the ex-servicemen surrendered their medals. Nine cardboard boxes full of medals have been received.

             A Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to look into the issue of One Rank One Pension and other related issues. After considering all aspects of the issue, the Committee did not find it administratively feasible to recommend One Rank One Pension, as such. However, keeping in mind the spirit of the demand several other recommendations to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) and Commissioned Officers have been made, which have been accepted by the Government:-

       i) Bringing parity between pension of pre and post October 10, 1997 PBOR pensioners.

      ii) Inclusion of Classification Allowance of PBOR from January 01, 2006.

     iii) Further improving PBOR pensions based on award of GOM, 2006.

     iv) Removal of linkage of full pension with 33 years from January 01, 2006 in respect of Commissioned    Officers.

     v) Revision of pension of Lt. General pension after carving out a separate pay scale of Rs. 69000 - 79000.
   
     vi) Broad banding of percentage of disability/war injury pension for pre January 01, 1996 disability/war injury pensioners.
  
    vii) Removal of the cap on war injury element of pension in the case of disabled pensioners belonging to Category E, which have also been accepted by the Government.

          Two of the recommendations at SI. No. (ii) and (iv) have since been implemented through a Govt. letter dated October 10, 2009. Other recommendations are at different stages of implementation. Since the issue on which ex-servicemen have been protesting has been substantially addressed by the Committee, the Government expects them to honour their hard earned medals.

         This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju in a written reply to Dr Murli Manohar Joshi and Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Alias Lalan Singh in Lok Sabha today.

Read More

Speed Post Services

                        The Department of posts has introduced One India One Rate of Rs.25/- per article in respect of Speed Post articles weighing upto 50 gms, which includes service tax and education cess with effect from June 11, 2007. The rate for local Speed Post article weighing upto 50gms, however, is Rs.12/- only per article inclusive of service tax and education cess.
                        
     Foreign Exchange Services


         The Department of Posts has tied up with HDFC Bank Ltd to provide foreign exchange service in select Post Offices across the country. Department of Posts has been given ‘Full Fledged Money Changer’s License’ by Reserve Bank of India under Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 to undertake money changing business. Based on the license, Department of Posts is providing foreign exchange services through 122 Post Offices across the country.


            Expansion of Foreign Exchange services is an ongoing process and it is based on the approval from RBI, customer demand and other business requirements.
source:PIB

Read More

Harassment of Subscribers

          The subscribers in the lifetime validity plans are entitled to incoming free calls subject to terms and conditions as conveyed at the time of their enrolment of such plans.


              Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has prescribed regulatory guidelines to bring clarity in the lifetime offering and to protect the interest of the subscribers vide Telecommunication Tariff (Forty Third Amendment) Order dated 21st March, 2006 which inter-alia mandated:

           Tariff plans offered as having lifetime validity in lieu of an upfront payment shall continue to be available to the subscriber as long as the service provider is permitted to provide such telecom service under the current license or renewed license.

             Hike in any item in a lifetime tariff plan during the specified lifetime validity period is prohibited; and the service provider shall inform the subscribers of the month and year of expiry of his current license.

          Further, in order to prevent the practice of service providers prescribing too frequent recharges as a condition to continue lifetime validity, TRAI, vide its Telecommunication Tariff (Forty Eight Amendment) Order has mandated that such recharge conditions, if prescribed, shall in no case be less than six months.

          This reply was given by Shri Gurudas Kamat, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in Lok Sabha today.

Read More

Harassment of Subscribers

             The subscribers in the lifetime validity plans are entitled to incoming free calls subject to terms and conditions as conveyed at the time of their enrolment of such plans.


              Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has prescribed regulatory guidelines to bring clarity in the lifetime offering and to protect the interest of the subscribers vide Telecommunication Tariff (Forty Third Amendment) Order dated 21st March, 2006 which inter-alia mandated:

           Tariff plans offered as having lifetime validity in lieu of an upfront payment shall continue to be available to the subscriber as long as the service provider is permitted to provide such telecom service under the current license or renewed license.

         Hike in any item in a lifetime tariff plan during the specified lifetime validity period is prohibited; and the service provider shall inform the subscribers of the month and year of expiry of his current license.

        Further, in order to prevent the practice of service providers prescribing too frequent recharges as a condition to continue lifetime validity, TRAI, vide its Telecommunication Tariff (Forty Eight Amendment) Order has mandated that such recharge conditions, if prescribed, shall in no case be less than six months.

         This reply was given by Shri Gurudas Kamat, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in Lok Sabha today.

Read More

Delhi University approves appointment, promotion of teachers

The Executive Council of Delhi University today approved the recent appointment and promotion of teachers in its emergency meeting here.

The committee members met for around half-an-hour discussed only one agenda as it was an emergency meeting, sources in the committee told PTI.During the meeting, the members approved the recent appointment 50 teachers and promotion of some teachers by the university.

The appointments were based on the recommendations of selection committees of various departments in the University, they said, adding that UGC norms have been followed during the process.The EC is the highest decision making body of the university.
source:PTI

Read More

Grant of full pension to Govt servants who retired on or after 01-01-2006 as per 6th CPC recommendation

DOP&T issued an order(O.M.No.38/37/08-P&PW(A)dated 10.12.2009) on Implimentation of govt decision on the recommendations of the sixth CPC regarding revision of pension of pensioners /family pensioners etc -Grant of full pension to govt servants who retired on or after 01-01-2006

In accordance with para 5.2 and 5.3 of the O.M.No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 2-9-2008, once a govt servant becomes entitled to pension on comletion of 20 years /10 years of qualifying service, he shall be paid pension at 50% of the emoluments received during the last 10 months, which ever is more benificial to him.

It has been now decided the revised provision for calculation of pension in para 5.2and 5.3 of the above said O.M shall come into force with effect from 1.1.2006 and shall be applicable to the govt servants retired /retiring after that date.

CLICK HERE To view the O.M

Read More

Issue of Passports -PVR to be sent within 21 days.

                  The Ministry of External Affairs had requested the State police authorities to send police verification reports (PVRs) in respect of passport applications within 21 days. The majority of PVRs are not received in 21 days.

          The Passport Offices regularly remain in touch with the district police authorities to expedite PVRs. The Ministry has also requested concerned State Governments to expedite PVRs. An incentive of Rs.100/- per application is paid to the State Governments if verification report is received within 21 days. Under the Passport Seva Project, the PVRs will be obtained electronically, which will reduce considerably the time taken for receipt of PVRs.

source:PIB

Read More

Issue of Passports -PVR to be sent within 21 days

The Ministry of External Affairs had requested the State police authorities to send police verification reports (PVRs) in respect of passport applications within 21 days. The majority of PVRs are not received in 21 days.

The Passport Offices regularly remain in touch with the district police authorities to expedite PVRs. The Ministry has also requested concerned State Governments to expedite PVRs. An incentive of Rs.100/- per application is paid to the State Governments if verification report is received within 21 days. Under the Passport Seva Project, the PVRs will be obtained electronically, which will reduce considerably the time taken for receipt of PVRs.

source:PIB

Read More

Ex-Servicemen Recuritment in PSUs

                As per the instructions issued by the Government, the reservation for ex-servicemen and dependents of those killed in action in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) is 14.5% in Group ‘C’ and 24.5% in Group ‘D’. The Government has further advised the CPSEs to identify the posts where ex-servicemen could be appointed. A comprehensive list of those posts, together with their pay scales and qualitative requirements, is to be forwarded by the CPSEs to the Director General, (Resettlement), Ministry of Defence, to enable them to sponsor suitable persons for these jobs. CPSEs are required to give preference to the ex-servicemen for appointment to the posts in their security departments.


        When suitable ex-servicemen are not made available by the local Employment Exchange for filling up the reserved vacancies in Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ posts, CPSEs are required to write to the Directorate General (Resettlement) for sponsoring suitable ex-servicemen against such posts.

       Implementation of these instructions in CPSEs is monitored by the administrative Ministries/Departments concerned with CPSEs.

               Public Sector Enterprises are not to de-reserve any vacancy reserved for ex-servicemen, unless a non-availability certificate is given by the Directorate General (Resettlement), Ministry of Defence.

      This was stated by Shri Arun Yadav, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises in the Lok Sabha today.

Read More

Ex-Servicemen Recuritment in PSUs

As per the instructions issued by the Government, the reservation for ex-servicemen and dependents of those killed in action in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) is 14.5% in Group ‘C’ and 24.5% in Group ‘D’. The Government has further advised the CPSEs to identify the posts where ex-servicemen could be appointed. A comprehensive list of those posts, together with their pay scales and qualitative requirements, is to be forwarded by the CPSEs to the Director General, (Resettlement), Ministry of Defence, to enable them to sponsor suitable persons for these jobs. CPSEs are required to give preference to the ex-servicemen for appointment to the posts in their security departments.

When suitable ex-servicemen are not made available by the local Employment Exchange for filling up the reserved vacancies in Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ posts, CPSEs are required to write to the Directorate General (Resettlement) for sponsoring suitable ex-servicemen against such posts.

Implementation of these instructions in CPSEs is monitored by the administrative Ministries/Departments concerned with CPSEs.

Public Sector Enterprises are not to de-reserve any vacancy reserved for ex-servicemen, unless a non-availability certificate is given by the Directorate General (Resettlement), Ministry of Defence. This was stated by Shri Arun Yadav, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises in the Lok Sabha today.

Read More

Revision of the proforma for sending dereservation proposals

No. 3602012/2007-Estt(Res)

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
New Delhi, Dated the 7Ih December 2009


OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject :- Revision of the proforma for sending dereservation proposals.

          The undersigned is directed to invite attention to this Department's OM. No. 3601 1120179-Estt(SCT) dated 2.11.1979 whereby proformae for sending proposals for deresewation of reserved vacancies were prescribed. In view of the fact that a number of developments like creation of separate National Commissions for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, replacement of vacancy based rosters by post based rosters, ban on exchange of reservation between SCs and STs have taken place, it has become necessary to modify the said proformae.

2.           There is a general ban on dereservation of reserved vacancies in case of direct recruitment. However, in rare and exceptional cases when a vacancy in a Group 'A' sewice cannot be allowed to remain vacant in public interest, the administrative MinistrylDepartment may prepare a proposal for deresewation of the vacancy giving following information:

(i) Designation of the post;

(ii) Pay scale of the post;
(iii) Name of the service to which the post belongs;
(iv) Duties and responsibilities attached to the post;
(v) Educational and other qualifications prescribed for the post;
(vi) Efforts made to fill up the post;
(vii) Reasons why it cannot be allowed to remain vacant;
(viii) Justification for dereservation; and
(ix) Any other relevant information.

3. The administrative Ministry shall consult the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in respect of vacancy reserved for SCs , the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in respect of vacancy reserved for STs and the National Commission for Backward Classes in respect of vacancy reserved for OBCs. After obtaining the comments of the concerned Commission, the administrative Ministry/Department shall place the proposal alongwith the Commission's comments before a Committee comprising of the Secretaries in the Department of Personnel and Training, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the Ministry/Department under which the recruitment is to be made for consideration and recommendation. The recommendation of the Committee shall be placed before the Minister in charge of the Department of Personnel and Training for taking a final decision. If dereservation of the vacancy is approved, it can be filled as an unreserved vacancy.

4. In case of promotion, if sufficient number of SClST candidates fit for promotion against reserved vacancies are not available, such vacancies may be dereserved and filled by the candidates of other communities. The power to accord approval to dereservation of the reserved vacancies in such cases is delegated to the administrative Ministries and Departments subject to the following conditions:

(i) no candidate belonging to the category for which the vacancy is reserved is available within the zone of consideration or extended zone of consideration or eligible for promotion in the feeder cadre(s) specified in the relevant service I recruitment rules /orders;

(ii) the proposal for dereservation has been seen and concurred in by the Liaison Officer of the Ministry / Department;

(iii) the proposal for dereservation is agreed to at a level not lower than that of Joint Secretary to the Government of India, in the administrative Ministry /Department (proper)concerned; and

(iv) in the event of disagreement between the appointing authority and the Liaison Officer, the advice of the Department of Personnel & Training is obtained.

5. Before taking a decision to dereserve a vacancy under the delegated powers, the administrative Ministry I Department shall prepare a proposal in the proforma given in the Annexure and send one copy thereof each to the Department of Personnel & Training and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in respect of vacancies reserved for SCs and to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in respect of vacancies reserved for STs. After sending the proposal, the Ministry / Department shall wait for a period of atleast two weeks for the comments of the Department of Personnel & Training and the concerned National Commission. If no comments are received from this Department or the concerned Commission within two weeks, the administrative Ministry I Department may presume that this Department or the concerned National Commission, as the case may be, do not have any comments to offer and may take a decision regarding dereservation of the vacancy. In case the Ministry / Department receives comments from this Department or the concernedCommission within two weeks, the comments so received shall be considered while taking a decision in the matter.

6. Following points should be kept in view while sending the copy of the proposal to the Commissions / Department of Personnel & Training:

(i) 'cadre strength' with reference to reservation means the number of posts in the grade which are to be filled by a particular mode of recruitment in terms of the recruitment rules. If in a grade having 200 posts, 40 per cent posts are filled by promotion by selection, cadre strength for promotion by selection in that grade will be 80;

(ii) 'backlog reserved vacancy' means a vacancy which was earmarked reserved in a previous recruitment year and an effort was made to fill up the same but could not be filled and is still vacant; and

(iii) the proposal / proforma duly filled in should be signed by an officer of the rank of Under Secretary or above in the administrative Ministry / Department.

7. The Attached /Subordinate Offices etc, should not send the proposal direct to the Department of Personnel and Training or to the concerned National Commission. They should send the proposal to the administrative Ministry/Department who will examine the proposal and send it to the Department of Personnel and Training and tothe concerned National Commission.

8. All the Ministries I Departments etc. are requested to bring these instructions to the notice of all concerned.

K.G.VERMA
Director

Read More

Revision of the proforma for sending dereservation proposals

No. 3602012/2007-Estt(Res)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
New Delhi, Dated the 7Ih December 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject :- Revision of the proforma for sending dereservation proposals.

The undersigned is directed to invite attention to this Department's OM. No. 3601 1120179-Estt(SCT) dated 2.11.1979 whereby proformae for sending proposals for deresewation of reserved vacancies were prescribed. In view of the fact that a number of developments like creation of separate National Commissions for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, replacement of vacancy based rosters by post based rosters, ban on exchange of reservation between SCs and STs have taken place, it has become necessary to modify the said proformae.

2. There is a general ban on dereservation of reserved vacancies in case of direct recruitment. However, in rare and exceptional cases when a vacancy in a Group 'A' sewice cannot be allowed to remain vacant in public interest, the administrative MinistrylDepartment may prepare a proposal for deresewation of the vacancy giving following information:
(i) Designation of the post;
(ii) Pay scale of the post;
(iii) Name of the service to which the post belongs;
(iv) Duties and responsibilities attached to the post;
(v) Educational and other qualifications prescribed for the post;
(vi) Efforts made to fill up the post;
(vii) Reasons why it cannot be allowed to remain vacant;
(viii) Justification for dereservation; and
(ix) Any other relevant information.

3. The administrative Ministry shall consult the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in respect of vacancy reserved for SCs , the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in respect of vacancy reserved for STs and the National Commission for Backward Classes in respect of vacancy reserved for OBCs. After obtaining the comments of the concerned Commission, the administrative Ministry/Department shall place the proposal alongwith the Commission's comments before a Committee comprising of the Secretaries in the Department of Personnel and Training, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the Ministry/Department under which the recruitment is to be made for consideration and recommendation. The recommendation of the Committee shall be placed before the Minister in charge of the Department of Personnel and Training for taking a final decision. If dereservation of the vacancy is approved, it can be filled as an unreserved vacancy.

4. In case of promotion, if sufficient number of SClST candidates fit for promotion against reserved vacancies are not available, such vacancies may be dereserved and filled by the candidates of other communities. The power to accord approval to dereservation of the reserved vacancies in such cases is delegated to the administrative Ministries and Departments subject to the following conditions:

(i) no candidate belonging to the category for which the vacancy is reserved is available within the zone of consideration or extended zone of consideration or eligible for promotion in the feeder cadre(s) specified in the relevant service I recruitment rules /orders;

(ii) the proposal for dereservation has been seen and concurred in by the Liaison Officer of the Ministry / Department;

(iii) the proposal for dereservation is agreed to at a level not lower than that of Joint Secretary to the Government of India, in the administrative Ministry /Department (proper)concerned; and
(iv) in the event of disagreement between the appointing authority and the Liaison Officer, the advice of the Department of Personnel & Training is obtained.

5. Before taking a decision to dereserve a vacancy under the delegated powers, the administrative Ministry I Department shall prepare a proposal in the proforma given in the Annexure and send one copy thereof each to the Department of Personnel & Training and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in respect of vacancies reserved for SCs and to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in respect of vacancies reserved for STs. After sending the proposal, the Ministry / Department shall wait for a period of atleast two weeks for the comments of the Department of Personnel & Training and the concerned National Commission. If no comments are received from this Department or the concerned Commission within two weeks, the administrative Ministry I Department may presume that this Department or the concerned National Commission, as the case may be, do not have any comments to offer and may take a decision regarding dereservation of the vacancy. In case the Ministry / Department receives comments from this Department or the concernedCommission within two weeks, the comments so received shall be considered while
taking a decision in the matter.

6. Following points should be kept in view while sending the copy of the proposal
to the Commissions / Department of Personnel & Training:

(i) 'cadre strength' with reference to reservation means the number of posts in the grade which are to be filled by a particular mode of recruitment in terms of the recruitment rules. If in a grade having 200 posts, 40 per cent posts are filled by promotion by selection, cadre strength for promotion by selection in that grade will be 80;

(ii) 'backlog reserved vacancy' means a vacancy which was earmarked reserved in a previous recruitment year and an effort was made to fill up the same but could not be filled and is still vacant; and

(iii) the proposal / proforma duly filled in should be signed by an officer of the rank of Under Secretary or above in the administrative Ministry / Department.

7. The Attached /Subordinate Offices etc, should not send the proposal direct to the Department of Personnel and Training or to the concerned National Commission. They should send the proposal to the administrative Ministry/Department who will examine the proposal and send it to the Department of Personnel and Training and tothe concerned National Commission.

8. All the Ministries I Departments etc. are requested to bring these instructions
to the notice of all concerned.

K.G.VERMA
Director

Read More

CSIR completes first ever Human Genome Sequencing in India

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has achieved completion of first ever Human Genome Sequencing in India. Scientist of CSIR at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi have sequenced the Human Genome of an anonymous healthy Indian citizen.

Addressing a press conference held here today Union Minister Shri. Prithviraj Chavan said that this feat is unique in the sense that it has been achieved by a team of very young scientists. CSIR has been endeavoring to nucleate such teams in different niche technological areas as per the directive of Hon’ble Dr. Manmohan Singh, President, CSIR and Prime Minister of India. This initiative is paying off.

Elaborating the details of research on Human Genome , the Minister said that the first Human Genome Sequence in the world was a result of the International Human Genome Project comprising scientists from United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan and China. The Project formally started in 1990 and the sequencing was completed in 2003. This spectacular feat at that time was hailed equivalent to the man landing on the moon. India could not be a part of this large initiative as in the early nineties it lacked the necessary resources. With the completion of the first Human genome sequence in India, the nation is now in the league of select few countries like United States, China, Canada, United Kingdom, and Korea who have demonstrated the capability to sequence and assemble complete human genomes. CSIR could achieve this by adopting new technologies and by effectively integrating complex computational tools with high throughput analytical capabilities.

While the first Human Genome Sequence effort took more than a decade spending over a billion US dollars, CSIR scientists at IGIB finished the complete sequencing and assembly in much shorter time comparable with similar recent effort the world over. By using next generation technologies and skills, they successfully bridged the technological gap that existed a decade ago.

Sh. S.K. Brahmchari, DG, CSIR informed that the Human Genome has 3.1 billion base pairs. The team at IGIB generated over 51 Gigabases of data using next generation sequencing technology, resulting in over 13x coverage of the Human Genome. This next-generation sequencing technology enables massively parallel sequencing of millions of genomic fragments of 76 base pairs, which are then mapped back to the reference genome. This humongous exercise was made possible with the CSIR supercomputing facility at IGIB.

The sequencing of the first Human Genome in India in conjunction with Indian Genome variation programme opens newer vistas for low cost affordable healthcare and predictive medicine in future for the masses. This also opens up newer possibilities in disease diagnostics, treatment and sustaining low-cost drugs in the market.

Read More

Grant of advance increments to Stenographers in Subordinate Offices

No. 18/44/88-Estt.(Pay) I
Departpent of Personnel & Training
Estt. (Pay I) SectionNew Delhi. the7th Dec.. 2009.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: Grant of advance increments to Stenographers in Subordinate Offices for acquiring higher speed in short-hand - Acceptance of Award of BOA -regarding.
In accordance with the provisions contained in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) O.M.No.7(31)E-Ill(A)/75, dated 4.10.1975 and this Department's 0.M of even number dated 148.1969, Stenographers (OrdinaryGrade) in Subordinate Offices in the pay scale of Rs.1200-2040 (pre-revised)
were granted one or two advance increments respectively on qualifying shorthand speed test at 100 or 120 wpm, both at recruitment stage and while in sewice. It was clarified vide OM dated 14.8.1989 that these advance increments will not count as pay for allowances and as emoluments for pension/gratuity.
2. A demand was raised by the Staff Side in the National Council (JCM) that the OM dated 14.8.1989 may be withdrawn and the advance increments granted to Stenographers (Ordinary Grade) in Subordinate Offices be treated as pay for all purposes. The demand of the Staff Side was referred to the Board of Arbitration in CA Ref. No.5 of 2004 which gave the following Award on 16,9.2005:
'The advance increment sanctioned to the Stenographers in the Subordinate Offices as an incentive for passing the speed test of 100 w.p.m and 120 w.p.m. should be treated as pay for all purposes."
3. The question of implementation of the above Award has been considered in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and the President is pleased to accept the Award in CA Reference No.5 of 2004. Accordingly, it has been decided that the advance increments granted to the Stenographers (Ordinary Grade) in
Subordinate Offices in terms of the provisions contained in Ministry of Finance's OM dated 4.10.1975 shall be treated as pay for all purposes. Past cases decided otherwise may be regulated accord~nglyT. his Department's OM dated 14.8.1989 and 30.1.2001 shall be treated as amended to thls extent.
4. In so far as the persons sewing in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
5. Ministry of Finance etc, are advised to bring the above decision to the notice of all concerned under them for their proper actionlguidance.
(B.K. MUKHOPADHYAY)
DIRECTOR (PAY)

Read More

Advance increments to Stenographers in Subordinate Offices

No. 18/44/88-Estt.(Pay) I

Departpent of Personnel & Training
Estt. (Pay I) Section
New Delhi. the7th Dec.. 2009.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT: Grant of advance increments to Stenographers in Subordinate Offices for acquiring higher speed in short-hand - Acceptance of Award of BOA -regarding.

In accordance with the provisions contained in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) O.M.No.7(31)E-Ill(A)/75, dated 4.10.1975 and this Department's 0.M of even number dated 148.1969, Stenographers (OrdinaryGrade) in Subordinate Offices in the pay scale of Rs.1200-2040 (pre-revised)
were granted one or two advance increments respectively on qualifying shorthand speed test at 100 or 120 wpm, both at recruitment stage and while in sewice. It was clarified vide OM dated 14.8.1989 that these advance increments will not count as pay for allowances and as emoluments for pension/gratuity.

2. A demand was raised by the Staff Side in the National Council (JCM) that the OM dated 14.8.1989 may be withdrawn and the advance increments granted to Stenographers (Ordinary Grade) in Subordinate Offices be treated as pay for all purposes. The demand of the Staff Side was referred to the Board of Arbitration in CA Ref. No.5 of 2004 which gave the following Award on 16,9.2005:

'The advance increment sanctioned to the Stenographers in the Subordinate Offices as an incentive for passing the speed test of 100 w.p.m and 120 w.p.m. should be treated as pay for all purposes."

3. The question of implementation of the above Award has been considered in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and the President is pleased to accept the Award in CA Reference No.5 of 2004. Accordingly, it has been decided that the advance increments granted to the Stenographers (Ordinary Grade) in
Subordinate Offices in terms of the provisions contained in Ministry of Finance's OM dated 4.10.1975 shall be treated as pay for all purposes. Past cases decided otherwise may be regulated accord~nglyT. his Department's OM dated 14.8.1989 and 30.1.2001 shall be treated as amended to thls extent.

4. In so far as the persons sewing in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

5. Ministry of Finance etc, are advised to bring the above decision to the notice of all concerned under them for their proper actionlguidance.

(B.K. MUKHOPADHYAY)
DIRECTOR (PAY)

Read More

AI proposes cut in expat pilots' wages

Under pressure from its pilot unions, Air India is understood to have proposed a 10 per cent cut in the salaries of about 150 expat pilots currently on its rolls.

"The managment has proposed a 10 per cent reduction in the salaries of the expat pilots," sources familiar with the development said, weeks after the pilots unions demanded compatibility between their pay package and that of foreign pilots.

In addition, the managment is also considering slashing the bonuses of foreign pilots by 50 per cent and stopping the reimbursement of their travelling allowances, they said.Currently, there are around 810 expat pilots employed by five airlines--Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, IndiGo and SpiceJet.Air India alone has around 153 pilots, besides 1,253 Indian pilots and about 200 trainees.
source:PTI

Read More

AMENDMENT OF CCS LEAVE RULES-NOTIFICATION

[TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE OF INDIA, PART II, SECTION-3, SUB-SECTION (i)]

Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the, 1st December, 2009.

GSR… In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 read with clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation to the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Central Civil Services (Leave)
Rules, 1972, namely: –
1. (1) These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Leave) (Amendment) Rules, 2009.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, (hereinafter referred to as the said rules), for rule 6 the following rule shall be substituted, namely, –

“6. Transfer to industrial establishment.– If a Government servant governed by these rules is appointed in an industrial establishment wherein his leave terms are governed by the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948), the authority competent to grant leave shall, suo motu, issue an order granting cash equivalent of leave salary in respect of earned leave and half pay leave at
his credit subject to a maximum of 300 days and the cash so granted shall be a sum equal to the leave salary as admissible for earned leave and leave salary as admissible for half pay leave plus dearness allowance admissible on that leave salary at the rate in force on the date the Government servant ceases to be governed by the provisions of the said rules:
Provided that in the event of his return to a post or service to which the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 apply, the benefit of cash equivalent of leave salary payable under rule 39 shall be modified as under –
(a) On superannuation .- encashment of leave shall be subject to the condition that the number of days of both earned leave and half pay leave for which encashment has already been allowed under this rule and the number of days of earned leave and half pay leave to be encashed on superannuation does not exceed 300 days;
(b) On premature retirement.- cash equivalent of unutilised earned leave and half pay leave should be subject to the condition that the number of days of earned leave and half pay leave for which encashment had already been allowed under this rule and the number of days of earned leave and half pay leave to be encashed on premature retirement shall not exceed 300 days.”.
To view all details of this notification CLICK HERE

Read More

AMENDMENTS OF CCS LEAVE RULES-NOTIFICATION

[TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE OF INDIA, PART II, SECTION-3, SUB-SECTION (i)]Government of IndiaMinistry of Personnel,
Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi,
the, 1st December, 2009.

GSR… In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 read with clause (5) of article 148 of the Constitution and after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in relation to the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Central Civil Services (Leave)Rules, 1972, namely: –
1. (1) These rules may be called the Central Civil Services (Leave) (Amendment) Rules, 2009.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. In the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, (hereinafter referred to as the said rules), for rule 6 the following rule shall be substituted, namely, –

“6. Transfer to industrial establishment.– If a Government servant governed by these rules is appointed in an industrial establishment wherein his leave terms are governed by the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948), the authority competent to grant leave shall, suo motu, issue an order granting cash equivalent of leave salary in respect of earned leave and half pay leave athis credit subject to a maximum of 300 days and the cash so granted shall be a sum equal to the leave salary as admissible for earned leave and leave salary as admissible for half pay leave plus dearness allowance admissible on that leave salary at the rate in force on the date the Government servant ceases to be governed by the provisions of the said rules:Provided that in the event of his return to a post or service to which the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 apply, the benefit of cash equivalent of leave salary payable under rule 39 shall be modified as under –
(a) On superannuation .- encashment of leave shall be subject to the condition that the number of days of both earned leave and half pay leave for which encashment has already been allowed under this rule and the number of days of earned leave and half pay leave to be encashed on superannuation does not exceed 300 days;
(b) On premature retirement.- cash equivalent of unutilised earned leave and half pay leave should be subject to the condition that the number of days of earned leave and half pay leave for which encashment had already been allowed under this rule and the number of days of earned leave and half pay leave to be encashed on premature retirement shall not exceed 300 days.”
.To view all details of this notification CLICK HERE

Read More

LTC-Travel by tour packages operated by IRCTC

NO. 3101 11612002-Estt.(A)
Government of lndia
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
North Block,
New Delhi,
Dated the 2nd December. 2009.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : LTC to Central Government Employees -Travel by tour packages operated by IRCTC.

The undersigned is directed to refer to DOP&T O.M. of even number dated 14.3.08, allowing tours by road conducted by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Government of India's undertaking under the Min. of Railways for the purpose of reimbursement of LTC by Government servants on the lines of ITDCISTDC and to say that as the IRCTC is also offering tour packages involving air travel in the sectors like Delhi - Leh, Delhi - Srinagar, Jaipur -Goa, ChennailCalcutta - Port Blair etc., the question of allowing LTC packages of IRCTC,including the component of air travel has been examined in consultation with theMin. of Finance.

2. It has now been decided to allow the re-imbursement of air fare along with rail and road fare in the case of LTC journey 'of Government servants in tours offered by IRCTC for reimbursement under LTC provided the IRCTC indicates and certifies the 3 components separately and booking of tickets is done by IRCTC fully complying with the instructions of Govt. of lndia issued from time to time in this regard such as journey by Air lndia under LTC 80 scheme in economy class without package benefits etc.
(P. Prabhakaren)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of lndia

Read More

LTC-Travel by tour packages operated by IRCTC.

NO. 3101 11612002-Estt.(A)

Government of lndia
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
North Block,
New Delhi,
Dated the 2nd December. 2009.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : LTC to Central Government Employees -Travel by tour packages operated by IRCTC.

The undersigned is directed to refer to DOP&T O.M. of even number dated 14.3.08, allowing tours by road conducted by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Government of India's undertaking under the Min. of Railways for the purpose of reimbursement of LTC by Government servants on the lines of ITDCISTDC and to say that as the IRCTC is also offering tour packages
involving air travel in the sectors like Delhi - Leh, Delhi - Srinagar, Jaipur -Goa, ChennailCalcutta - Port Blair etc., the question of allowing LTC packages of IRCTC,including the component of air travel has been examined in consultation with theMin. of Finance.

2. It has now been decided to allow the re-imbursement of air fare along with rail and road fare in the case of LTC journey 'of Government servants in tours offered by IRCTC for reimbursement under LTC provided the IRCTC indicates and certifies the 3 components separately and booking of tickets is done by IRCTC fully complying with the instructions of Govt. of lndia issued from time to time in this regard such as journey by Air lndia under LTC 80 scheme in economy class without package benefits etc.

(P. Prabhakaren)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of lndia

Read More

Navy to Raise Seperate Force to Monitor Coastal Areas

In the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attack, a separate force would be raised to monitor coastal areas, a top Naval officer said .

"There will be a separate force, Sagar Prahari Bal, for the purpose of increasing vigil in coastal areas of the country, starting from Gujarat to West Bengal," Naval officer-in-charge (West Bengal) Commodore Chandra Sekhar Azad told a press conference.

The force will constitute 1,000 navy personnel, including 61 officers and 939 sailors and will have 95 Fast Interceptive Craft (FIC), Azad said, adding that the induction for the force will start from January next year.

When asked about the allocation for West Bengal, Azad said, the state would get 150 navy personnel, including four officers, and four FICs.Azad said, "The new force will check every vessel above 300 tons...
ptinews

Read More

BSF gets patent for IED jammer technology

The Border Security Force has bagged a patent for its 'Remote Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Jammer', the first paramilitary force in the country to be granted the unique distinction.

The country's Controller General of Patent had recently accorded the patent to the jammer device, which was built by the Research and Development Cell of the Communication and IT Directorate of the BSF.

The device can be fixed on a vehicle and protects the convoys it travels with or the area it is placed in by jamming remote controlled trigger devices, BSF officials said.

In the last five years, besides the RCIED (Remote Controlled Improvised Explosive Device) Jammer, the force's R and D cell has designed and fabricated various devices like RCIED Pre-Initiator, Universal Programmer, Laser Aiming Trainer, Mobile de-activator GSM band, Tresspasser alert among many others.
source:PTI

Read More

Cell users without authorised handsets see services go dead

Millions of mobile subscribers owning handsets without unique identity numbers today saw services discontinued by operators after the government banned use of such phones for security reasons.

Leading operators Airtel, Vodafone and others confirmed that they have started disconnecting phones without unique identity numbers.

Vodafone Essar Director T V Ramachandran said, "We are disconnecting all those phones which are through the non-IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) handsets."No operator, however, put a number to how many users were disconnected from their respective networks, but sources said it would certainly run into a few millions

.According to estimates, 21 million handsets are in circulation without the 15-digit unique identity number, known as IMEI, which enables the security agencies to trace calls made from or received on such handsets.

Read More

Armed Forces Tribunal

The Government has issued notification for setting up the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) with effect from August 10, 2009, for the adjudication or trial of disputes and complaints with respect to the service matters and also to provide for appeals arising out of verdicts of the Courts Martial in respect of personnel of the Armed Forces.
774 cases have been transferred from High Courts to AFT and 161 new cases have been instituted. Against this, 115 cases have been disposed. No exact time frame for settling all the pending cases can be indicated.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Neeraj Shekhar and Shri EG Sugavanam in Lok Sabha yesterday.

Read More

Increase in Minimum Wages

In order to protect the minimum wages against inflation, the Central Government and most of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations have adopted the system of Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), revised twice a year effective from 1st April and 1st October on the basis of increase in Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers.Under the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, both the Central and State Governments are the appropriate Governments to fix and revise the minimum wages in the scheduled employments under their respective jurisdictions.

As per Section 3 (1) (b) of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the appropriate Government shall review at such intervals, not exceeding five years, the minimum rates of wages so fixed and revise the minimum rates, if necessary. This information was given by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Harish Rawat in a written reply in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

Read More

Revival package for BSNL/ MTNL

BSNL and MTNL are strongly competing with private telecom operators continuously. However, due to intense competition and entry of new operators with aggressive tariff plans BSNL and MTNL are losing market share.

To strengthen the financial health of BSNL and MTNL, the following initiatives have been taken:-

- Augmentation of capacity to enhance the network coverage and to remove the congestion.

- Expanding distribution channels and improving system of follow up of franchisees and retailers.

- Developing a system of providing special premium Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for large enterprise customers and focusing on corporate accounts.

- Improving customer care, better feedback and after sales service.

- Developing new lines of revenue through infrastructure sharing.

- Improving management information system for better management and collection of revenue.

This reply was given by Shri Gurudas Kamat, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in Lok Sabha today.

Read More